updated 05:22 pm EDT, Tue May 14, 2013

Winner of charity auction remains anonymous

A charity auction for a coffee meetup with Apple CEO Tim Cook has come to a close. The initial goal of the auction, supporting the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, was to raise roughly $50,000. By the time bidding closed today however, the final bid was valued at $610,000.

The winner of the auction remains anonymous. The meetup will take place at a date agreed upon by both Cook and the winner, who will be able to invite a single guest. Other limitations include a one-hour time cap, and the need to pay for any travel and accommodations needed to rendezvous with Cook in Cupertino, California.

Why would anyone pay that kind of money for a pointless meeting with a mediocre CEO? That he was handed a gem and hasn't ruined it yet is the best that can be said for him.

I suppose if the winner passes on the actual meeting and just hands over the donation they might be able to retain some shred of self respect. Please don't tell us that you are hoping to make some sort of meaningful connection through your 'meeting' ! You will be tolerated like a teenage contest winner on stage for a few minutes with her favorite band.